It is super fun to dress up and go trick-or-treating, but there is always the dilemma of what to do with all the extra candy. Most parents don't relish the idea of their kids eating all of it, even if it's spread out over a couple of months. It's usually not only the candy collected on Halloween night, but all the parties, trunk-or-treats and school events leading up to Halloween. If you're already worried about all that sugar entering your house, here are some ideas for what to do with it:

1. Have a one-time binge night

Pick a night and let your kids eat as much candy as they want. Once the night is over or when they get sick of having too much candy (which ever comes first), get rid of the candy. Most likely your kids will have such a candy overload they won't want more anyway!

2. Donate it

The first idea is usually to donate your candy. There are lots of shelters with kids who don't get to trick-or-treat. A great way to make their day and save you on candy overload is to donate it to them. Also consider an old folks home or assisted living facility. The elderly don't usually go trick-or-treating, plus they would love spending a little time with you and your kids. You can also send it overseas to our troops by using Operation Shoebox.

3. Cook with it

Fun recipes that incorporate candy can be a great way to use your Halloween goodies. Not only will it create something yummy, but it will be a great activity to do with your kids. If you are worried about creating more treats, try using something healthy to mix with your candy. Toss candy into yogurt, add it to your caramel apples or bake whole grain muffins with some chocolate mixed in. Something healthy to contrast with the candy will be a nice alternative to only eating sweets.

4. Recycle it

Do you have any parties in the near future? Use your candy to stuff a pinata or decorate a gingerbread house. Wrap it up as a party favor or bring it to the office; you'll be surprised how fast it will go!

5. Use it for educational purposes

There are lots of science experiences you can conduct with candy. Try eating wintergreen mints in the dark or putting Skittles in a bottle of soda. Use the internet to find other fun learning activities you can do with candy.

6. Make a trade

If your child is struggling with giving up the candy they collected, try having them trade it for something else. Offer an hour of TV time, a new book or toy, a date night with mom or something that will be a fun alternative to eating candy.

7. Get crafty

Use your candy to make crafts such as a candy gram for your child's teacher, or make art out of it by using candy corn for a turkey's tail or Skittles to make a rainbow. Create an advent calendar leading up to Thanksgiving or another fun event. Let your kid's imagination run wild as they use their candy to be creative.

There are lots of alternatives to eating Halloween candy - things that can put a smile on someone else's face, help your kids learn or encourage them to use their imagination. Don't just throw it away or let it go bad; do something better with it for a change.